Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz presided today over the regular weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, and welcomed the United Nations Security Council resolution calling for the start of negotiations for self-rule of the Kosovo enclave, with an immediate ceasefire, a halt to attacks against civilians, and the return of refugees and displaced persons to their homeland. Information Minister Dr. Fouad Al-Farsi reported that King Fahd went on to praise the efforts being made by governmental departments in direct charge of service to citizens and expatriates in the Kingdom. Marking the anniversary of National Day and highlighting the centennial of the event that led to the foundation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdulrahman Al-Saud, King Fahd recalled that, ever since the days of its founder, the Kingdom has been exerting its utmost efforts to realize whatever is of benefit to the nation and the citizens, and always works to overcome whatever obstacles and difficulties emerge. The King expressed gratitude and appreciation to the leaders, organizations and individuals from Arab, Islamic and friendly countries who extended on the occasion of the Kingdom’s National Day their feelings of fraternity and love towards this country, and their thanks for its adherence to the cause of Arab and Islamic nations and for its contribution to the enforcement of security, order and stability all over the world.

Concerning developments in the Arab and Islamic arena, the cabinet reiterated that foremost of these are the sufferings of the Palestinian people and the oppression and hostilities they face from the Israeli government and settlers aiming to kill and hurt people and usurp land and homes. The cabinet regrets the derailing of the Middle East peace process due to Israel’s obstinacy; this puts greater responsibility on the world community to preserve the rights of the Palestinian people according to the legitimate agreements agreed internationally.